Electronic Arts has announced that it has removed former Patriots tight end (and accused murderer) Aaron Hernandez from Madden NFL 25, and will be doing the same for his appearance in NCAA 14 via a title update.

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is being removed from both Madden NFL 25 and NCAA Football 14, following his arrest on murder charges. Electronic Arts said in a statement that his removal from NCAA will come in the form of a title update, with an alternate reward for unlocking him in the Nike Skills Trainer in the meantime.

"We have made a decision to remove Aaron Hernandez from Madden NFL 25 and NCAA Football 14," EA said in a statement, via Joystiq. "Because NCAA Football 14 was finalized prior to our decision, Hernandez' image still appears in the Nike Skills Trainer. However, he is not in the game, and anyone who unlocks that particular Nike Skills Trainer reward will receive an Alex Smith Ultimate Team player item instead. The image of Hernandez will be removed via a Title Update in the near future."

Massachusetts State Police arrested Hernandez on June 26, and charged him with first-degree murder and multiple firearms charges. He was released from the Patriots roster the same day.

Steve Watts

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Steve Watts' youthful memories are are a blur of pixels, princesses, castles, and Mega Busters. After writing about games as a pastime for years, he got his first shot at a paid gig at 1UP. He's freelanced for several sites since then, and found a friendly home at Shacknews. His editorial duties include news, reviews, features, and lunatic ravings. He lives in the Baltimore-Washington area with his shockingly understanding wife.